About us
The FAIRLINE marque was born of one man's vision and passion for excellence. Jack Newington, the company's founder, was a man committed to the highest ideals of quality and integrity; more than that, he had the rare ability to take his own high standards and values and weave them into the fabric of what was to become the hugely successful enterprise that is the Fairline of today.
His son, Sam, led the company for 25 formative years and was from the same mould, driving it forward with a single-minded commitment to quality and innovation. Even now, forty years on, those original and essential core values still drive everything we do
In short, Fairline excels at building boats that delight, exhilarate and astonish their owners. This is the marque for those who look beyond the brash and the superficial. These are boats with a beauty and integrity that is truly 'more than skin deep'. Boats built with a rare passion & and a unique level of excellence.
The key 'Markers and Milestones' in the story of Fairline are important. Not simply because we are proud of our history, but also because they clearly demonstrate the unmatched heritage and priceless experience built into each and every Fairline.
They tell an impressive story, but can only hint at the many millions of hours of experimentation and innovative thinking, not to speak of the passion, dedication, commitment and sheer hard work that, over 40 years, have made today's Fairline the world-class craft in which our owners take so much pride.
1963 - Jack Newington acquires a cluster of disused gravel pits by the River Nene, transforming them into Oundle Marina, still the 'home' of Fairline.
1967 - Launch of the first Fairline, a 19' river cruiser. Handcrafted, yet already exploiting the latest GRP boat construction techniques of the time.
1971 - Jack's son Sam, a Columbia MBA and former fighter pilot, takes over the helm of the company. He establishes an international sales network and turns the first profit in the company's history. Staff count by this time is around 14.
1974 - Launch of Phantom 32. The advanced design sets the pace for the next decade and gives its name to the long line-up of 'family' cruising boats that have followed it with such success.
1977 - Launch of Fairline 40, in production for a record 11 years.
1979 - Staff count is now 140 and turnover approx £5million.
1981 - 36 Turbo launched to huge acclaim.
1985 - Launch of the very first TARGA, which subsequently proves to be a benchmark in boat style and design, spawning many imitators in subsequent years. Growth continues apace, with new production sites at Weldon and Nene Valley.
1991 - Fairline enters the 'large yacht' market with the first boat in the now-renowned SQUADRON series, the innovative and stylish 62.
1996 - Sam Newington retires, handing executive responsibility to Derek Carter, who immediately sets about building on the company's heritage and harnessing the immense passion and pride of the workforce.
1998 - Fairline Boats of North America Inc., a US subsidiary and sales office, is established. Fairline is by now represented worldwide through a network of 35 strong and passionate dealers.
2002/03 - The 10,000th Fairline leaves the yard and Fairline completes two of its most ambitious programmes to date: the construction of the major new production facility, Nene Valley II, and the launch of its stunning flagship yacht, the Squadron 74.
2003/04 - Introduction of GRAN TURISMO versions of larger Targa models, incorporating the innovative powered retractable hardtop.
2005 - 20th anniversary of the outstandingly successful TARGA. This express cruiser concept has proved a highly significant contributor to the company's growth and international reputation.
2006 - Fairline begins its 40th Anniversary celebrations in real style! A new model is announced or launched in each of the ranges & Squadron 66, Phantom 48 and Targa 38 & and the company is purchased by its long-serving and dedicated management team. Single-step distribution is introduced, allowing the Fairline global dealer network to deal direct with the company, thereby further improving customer support.
2007 - Fairline starts it's 40th birthday with an impressive clutch of trophies: in the UK's IPC Marine Awards, the Targa 38 and the Squadron 68 won MOTORBOAT OF THE YEAR in their respective categories, with the PHANTOM 48 being Highly Commended. The TARGA 38 also wins EUROPEAN MOTORBOAT OF THE YEAR, the industry's leading award.
At Fairline, we're known by our clients for a level of service unmatched in the marine industry; from the moment they meet us to the day they take delivery of their dream. During that time, little is more important than the practical, friendly advice our dealers give to help with boat selection and specification. After all, we are looking to create the perfect fit for each owner's yachting lifestyle.
